Hello to the group,
I recently posted a note about some problems I was having with link belts failing on my Italian Bandsaw. After two failures in two days, I opted to go back to the continuous "V" belt style and installed it yesterday.
I'm happy to report that I had no trouble at all getting the lower wheel off and I did not have to use a gear puller - sweet! Everything went back together just fine and she is purring like a kitten now. :-)
The old "V" belt lasted 10 years, so I'm hoping to get the same out of this new one. I did notice a change in the belt (I got and OEM belt from Italy), the inner or lower part of the "V" is now ribbed, like in some auto belts. The old belt was smooth on the lower part. That should make it more durable as it ages.
I've sort of felt like a fish out of water without a Bandsaw for the last few days. It's funny how you get so used to a routine and using certain tools. Take care and all the best to you and yours!